On Friday, May 26, President William Ruto acknowledged the nickname "Zakayo," given to him by Kenyans on Twitter (KOT) during the public outcry over proposed tax increases. Ruto made reference to the nickname while filing his tax returns at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) offices in Time Towers.

During the filing process, there were suggestions that the government should establish a tax collectors' day, similar to the taxpayers' day already observed. One delegate proposed having the tax collectors' day at State House.

Since Ruto had been referred to as "Zakayo" in some instances, he jokingly suggested having a tax collectors' day in line with the nickname.

The nickname "Zakayo" is derived from the Swahili name for the shrewd Biblical tax collector, Zacchaeus, who promised to repay four times the amount he had overcharged taxpayers.

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The nickname gained popularity on social media after tax proposals were put forth by the Ruto administration. Online users likened the President to Zacchaeus, who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus.

The name gained significant traction during the public participation phase of the Finance Bill 2023, where taxpayers expressed their concerns and opposition to the proposed tax measures.

During a protest rally in Nairobi in March 2023, Azimio La Umoja co-principal and Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua stated, "If they target Baba (Raila Odinga), they should be ready to terminate us all. We will not relent until Zakayo climbs down and the price of unga is lowered." Azimio La Umoja party leader Raila Odinga added, "Even Zacchaeus did not tax exorbitantly. Leave Mama Ngina Kenyatta and his son President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta alone."

Ruto visited the Time Towers to file his annual tax returns ahead of the June 2023 deadline. During the event, he emphasized the importance of expanding the tax base to alleviate the burden on Kenyans. He also reiterated that taxes were necessary to support the government's development agenda. Additionally, he emphasized his commitment to ensuring transparent and accountable use of the collected funds by public officers.